26.03.2026 16:33
JetBlue Flight 1129, departing from Rhode Island to New York, collided with a bird during takeoff and had to make an emergency landing. Passengers experienced a brief moment of panic following the incident. JetBlue officials stated that the decision to return was made for safety reasons. It was determined that the aircraft did not sustain any structural damage and that the passengers were safe. It was noted that the incident did not affect other flights, but some passengers missed their connecting flights due to the delay.
In the morning hours, JetBlue Flight 1129, departing from Rhode Island TF Green International Airport to New York, unexpectedly collided with a coyote during takeoff. The plane had to make an emergency landing for safety reasons.
The incident occurred around 06:40 AM. Passengers heard a "loud thud" after the plane took off and experienced a brief moment of panic. Initially, the pilot attempted to continue the flight, but decided to turn back for safety reasons 15 minutes later.
JetBlue officials stated that the decision was made due to "excessive caution." The flight was headed to New York, but the plane returned to Rhode Island in the morning hours.
Passenger Erin Drozda described the events as follows:
"We were in the air, about 10–15 minutes passed, and the captain made an announcement. 'If anyone heard that thud, we collided with a coyote and we are currently returning to Providence,' he said. At first, we thought it was a joke; we really didn't understand what was happening."
As soon as the plane landed at the airport, emergency teams were on standby on the runway. After checking the front part of the plane for damage, passengers were evacuated, and airport personnel conducted a detailed inspection.
As a result of the checks, it was determined that the plane had not sustained any structural damage and that the passengers were safe.
Drozda continued her remarks:
"We got off the plane and waited for about half an hour. Then we were told everything was fine, and we could board the plane again."
The plane took off again around 08:30 AM and landed shortly after at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The journey, which normally takes half an hour, took over two hours for the passengers.
Airport officials stated that the incident did not affect other flights. However, the situation was different for Drozda and her partner: they missed their flight to Costa Rica due to the delay, but were able to get new tickets for the next day.
This incident brought to mind past emergencies experienced by JetBlue. In October, a JetBlue Airbus 320 experienced a sudden altitude loss while flying from Mexico to Newark and had to make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida. The plane had reached an altitude of 35,000 feet and a speed of 620 miles per hour, but experienced a sudden drop in the first hour of the flight.
JetBlue officials announced that the plane was taken out of service for safety checks after the incident. An official stated,
"The safety of our customers and crew is always our priority. We will continue to support those involved in this process."
they said.